Buying a used sailboat can either turn out to be a super deal or a wallet drainer. It all depends on how much you know about sailboats, how qualified you are to inspect them, and how willing you are to solicit the help of a professional if you need it.

 

We’re going to go over the key things you’ll need to investigate when you’re looking to purchase a used sailboat. If this is going to be your first boat purchase and you’re not that familiar with the various elements of sailing, don’t even consider doing this without hiring an experienced professional to help you inspect the sailboat. It will be worth their fee, and the information you’ll learn about your new boat will save you a lot of headaches later on.

 

 

The preferable construction material for used sailboats is fiberglass. While wood might be beautiful and appealing to the eye – keep in mind that it can also hide a multitude of problems. You would have to tear the boat apart to find those problems – which the current owner would probably frown upon. So, stick with a material that is less likely to hide serious flaws.

 

While some boat manufacturers might tout fiberglass as being a maintenance-free material, that’s simply not true. You will still need to make certain that things like the antifouling paint on the underside of the boat is well maintained to prevent the growth of algae and barnacles. You’ll also need to wax the topsides periodically with marine wax to prevent the gelcoat from becoming oxidized. Most boats have some wood trim which will require maintenance, so plan on spending one weekend a year varnishing the teak trim. You’ll also need to inspect the rigging and the mast every few months. Your sails will need to go to a sailmaker every year to repair any snags, rips, or tears. And, then there’s the regular engine maintenance. As you can see, what some people call "maintenance-free" really just means "less maintenance" than with an all-wood sailboat.

 

If you really don’t like the idea of fiberglass, steel is another option. However, keep in mind that steel is vulnerable to rust, so make sure to inspect well for any early stages of rust.

 

Ferro-cement is another building material used on many sailboats crafted by amateur boat builders. This is a good material for sailboats over 25 feet in length. However, since these boats are not typically built by professionals, we recommend steering clear of them since you really don’t know the level of skill used to craft the vessel.

 

 

We recommend buying a sailboat with a modern, contemporary engine, as it could be difficult to locate replacement parts for older or rare engines. There is something nostalgic about owning a vintage model, yet consider if you really have the time to hunt down parts and the expertise to do the repairs on your own. If you plan to farm out the repairs, it might be more costly for this type of engine, as the mechanic may have to do extensive research to find the parts and may charge you handsomely for their time.

 

 

The initial test for the engine is quite simple. It’s called the "Smoke Test" and it goes like this: Healthy diesel engines will blow a little bit of black smoke with a small amount of white smoke. Run away if the engine blows blue smoke or a steady amount of smoke that’s white. Ask the owner if they have maintenance records to prove the engine has been well-maintained.

 

One of the most common problems with gasoline engines is leaking. So, check for leaks and make sure the bilge blower functions well. Always request records of maintenance. A good boat owner should have these.

 

 

While it may seem like a hassle, the only valid way to check the sails is to take them out of the bags, lay them flat, and go over them carefully to look for patches, mold, weak spots, slides that are damaged, and ripped seams. Verify the winch runs well. Check for worn lines, broken blocks, worn shackes and pins, and damaged wire. Raise the sails to make sure it all works as it should.

 

 

Sometime the small things can nickel and dime you to death later on. So, make sure to check everything. Verify that hatches and portholes are watertight. Make sure you get a good inspection done on the electrical system. The last thing you want is a fire to break out. I once had a friend who spent $19,000 on a used sailboat. The first time they launched it in the water, it caught fire within 15 minutes and was a total loss. So, make sure the electrical is sound and safe.